Administrative Penalties By-law

By-law #: 2020-69

Description: Establishes a process for Administrative Penalties.

Date passed: April 7, 2020

Last update: Augst 11, 2026

Disclaimer: By-laws contained in this section have been prepared for research and reference purposes only. The original Administrative Penalties Process By-law in pdf format is available from the Office of the City Clerk upon request.


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Whereas section 434.1(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 provides that a municipality may require a person, subject to such conditions as the municipality considers appropriate, to pay an Administrative Penalty if the municipality is satisfied that the person has failed to comply with a by-law of the municipality passed under that Act; and

Whereas Council deems it necessary and expedient to establish a process for imposing, adjudicating and collecting administrative penalties in relation to contraventions of designated by-laws passed under the Act in conjunction with other municipal, Provincial and Federal enforcement mechanisms created in response to COVID-19 pandemic emergency;

Therefore be it resolved that By-law Number 2020-69, being "A By-law to Establish a Process for Administrative Penalties" is hereby enacted as follows:

Act means the Municipal Act,

Administrative Penalty means an Administrative Monetary Penalty established by By-law;

By-law means this by-law and any schedule to this by-law as they may be amended from time to time;

City means The Corporation of the City of Kingston;

Council means the City's

Declaration of Municipal Emergency means a declaration of the Head Council made pursuant to section 4(1) of the EMCPA;

Designated By-law means each by-law that is designated by Council as a by-law to which this By-law applies as set out in Schedule A to this By-law or as referenced in any Order of the Head of Council issued pursuant to a Declaration of Municipal Emergency;

Director means (i) the Director, Building and Enforcement Services, or (ii) in his or her absence, the duly appointed designate, or (iii) in the event of organizational changes or otherwise, the director of the appropriately titled department assigned duties under this by-law or designate;

EMCPA means the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E 9, as amended from time to time;

Fee – Appeal No-Show means an administrative fee from time to time established by the Fees and Charges By-law in respect of a Person's failure to appear at the time and place scheduled for a hearing before a Hearings Officer;

Fee – Late Payment means an administrative fee from time to time established by the Fees and Charges Bylaw in respect of a Person's failure to pay an Administrative Penalty by the date on which it is due and payable;

Fee – Screening No-Show means an administrative fee from time to time established by the General Fees and Charges By-law in respect of a Person's failure to appear at the time and place scheduled for a review by a Screening Officer;

Fees and Charges Bylaw means City of Kingston By-law Number 2005-10, "A By-law to Establish Fees and Charges to be Collected by The Corporation of the City of Kingston", as amended from time to time;

Head of Council means the Mayor of the City of Kingston;

Hearings Officer means any person designated from time to time to perform the functions of a Hearings Officer pursuant to this By-law;

Manager means the person from time to time performing the functions of the City's Manager, Licensing and Enforcement;

Municipality means the geographic area under the jurisdiction of the City;

Officer means each of (a) the Director; (b) the Manager; (c) a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer appointed by or under the authority of a City by-law to enforce a Designated By-law; and (d) a police officer employed by a municipal police force;

Penalty Notice means a notice given pursuant to sections 2.2 and 2.4;

Penalty Notice Date means the date specified on the Penalty Notice pursuant to section 2.4;

Penalty Notice Number means the number specified on the Penalty Notice pursuant to section 2.4;

Person includes an individual, partnership, association, firm or corporation;

Screening Decision means a decision made by a Screening Officer pursuant to section 3.7;

Screening Decision Date means the date on which a Screening Decision is made pursuant to section 3.7;

Screening Officer means any person designated from time to time to perform the functions of a Screening Officer pursuant to this By-law;

2.1. Subject to sections 2.3, 3 and 4, each Person who contravenes a provision of a Designated By-law shall, if given a Penalty Notice, be liable to pay to the City an Administrative Penalty in the amount specified by the Designated By-law, for each day or part of a day on which the contravention occurs.

2.2. An Officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that a Person has contravened any provision of a Designated By-law may give to the Person a Penalty Notice.

2.3. The Director may, before 4:30 pm of the tenth (10th) day after the Penalty Notice Date, cancel the Administrative Penalty.

2.4. The Penalty Notice shall be given to the Person as soon as is reasonably practicable after the contravention has occurred and shall include the following information:

  1. the date the Penalty Notice is given;
  2. a reference number that is unique to that Penalty Notice;
  3. particulars of the contravention, including the date and location of the contravention, and the Person(s) to whom the Penalty Notice is being given;
  4. the monetary amount of the Administrative Penalty;
  5. the actions that must be taken by the person(s) named in the order to comply and any date by which compliance is required
  6. such information as the Director determines is appropriate respecting the process by which the Person may exercise the Person's right to request a review of the Administrative Penalty; and
  7. a statement advising that an Administrative Penalty will, unless cancelled or reduced pursuant to the review and appeal processes, constitute a debt of the Person to the City.

2.5. A Person who is given a Penalty Notice may request that the Administrative Penalty be reviewed by a Screening Officer pursuant to section 3.

3.1. Section 3 applies to reviews of an Administrative Penalty by a Screening Officer.

3.2. Subject to section 3.3, a Person's right to request a review expires if it has not been exercised in the manner prescribed in section 3.4 before 4:30 p.m. on the fifteenth (15th) day after the date receipt of the Penalty Notice is deemed to have occurred pursuant to section 5.

3.3. A Person's right to request an extension of the time to request a review expires if it has not been exercised in the manner prescribed in section 3.4 before 4:30 p.m on the fifteenth (15th) day after the date receipt of the Penalty Notice is deemed to have occurred pursuant to section 5, at which time:

  1. the Person shall be deemed to have waived the right to request a review;
  2. the Administrative Penalty shall be deemed to be affirmed; and
  3. the Administrative Penalty shall not be subject to review, including review by any Court. No extension granted under this section will extend beyond the forty-second (42nd) day after the date receipt of the Penalty Notice is deemed to have occurred pursuant to section 5.

3.4. A Person's rights to request a review and to request an extension of time to request a review are exercised by giving to the City written notice of the request to review that includes:

  1. the Penalty Notice Number;
  2. the Person's mailing address and, if applicable, facsimile transmission number and/or e-mail address;
  3. in the case of a request to extend the time to request a review, the reasons, if any, for having failed to exercise the right to request a review within the time limited by section 3.2;
  4. particulars of all grounds upon which the request to review is based; and
  5. the Person's election to:
    1. meet with a Screening Officer for the review; or to
    2. have the review undertaken by a Screening Officer in writing in respect of the particulars provided by the Person pursuant to paragraph 3.4(d).

3.5. Where the Person elects to meet with a Screening Officer pursuant to clause 3.4(e)(i), the Person shall be given notice of the date, time and place of the review.

3.6. Where the Person elects to meet with a Screening Officer pursuant to clause 3.4(e)(i) and the Person fails to appear at the time and place scheduled for a review or fails to remain at such place until the Screening Officer has made a Screening Decision respecting the Administrative Penalty,

  1. the Person shall be deemed to have abandoned the request for the review;
  2. the Administrative Penalty shall be deemed to be affirmed;
  3. the Administrative Penalty shall not be subject to review, including review by any Court; and
  4. the Person shall pay to the City an additional Fee-Screening No-Show.

3.7. Subject to sections 3.3 and 3.6, the Screening Officer may

    1. extend the time to request a review;
    2. receive submissions from the officer who issued the Penalty Notice under review; and
    3. cancel, reduce or extend the time for payment of the Administrative Penalty and any administrative fees respecting that Administrative Penalty where the Screening Officer is satisfied that doing so would maintain the general intent and purpose of the Designated By-law and that:
      1. there is reason to doubt that the person contravened the Designated By-law; or that
      2. the person took all reasonable steps to prevent the contravention; or that
      3. the cancellation, reduction or extension of the time for payment is necessary to relieve undue financial hardship.

3.8. The Screening Decision shall be given to the Person in writing as soon as is reasonably practicable.

3.9. The Person may appeal to a Hearings Officer against the Screening Decision pursuant to section 4.

4.1. Section 4 applies to appeals to a Hearings Officer against Screening Decisions:

4.2. The right to appeal is limited to the following:

  1. A Person who has been given a Screening Decision pursuant to section 3.8; and
  2. the Director.

4.3. A Person's right to appeal expires if it has not been exercised in the manner prescribed in section 4.5 before 4:30 p.m. on the fifteenth (15th) day after the Screening Decision Date.

4.4. A Person's right to request an extension of the time to appeal expires if it has not been exercised in the manner prescribed in section 4.5 before 4:30 p.m. on the fifteenth (15th) day after the Screening Decision Date at which time:

  1. the Person shall be deemed to have waived the right to appeal;
  2. the Screening Decision and the Administrative Penalty as it may have been affected by the Screening Decision shall be deemed to be affirmed; and
  3. the Screening Decision and the Administrative Penalty as it may have been affected by the Screening Decision shall not be subject to review, including review by any Court. No extension granted under this section will extend beyond the forty-second (42nd) day after the Screening date.

4.5. A right to appeal is exercised by giving to the City written notice of the appeal that includes:

  1. the Penalty Notice Number;
  2. the Person's mailing address and, if applicable, facsimile transmission number and/or e-mail address;
  3. in the case of a request to extend the time to appeal, the reasons, if any, for having failed to exercise the right to appeal within the time limited by section 4.3; and
  4. particulars of all grounds upon which the appeal is made.

4.6. The Person shall be given no fewer than seven (7) days' notice of the date, time and place of the hearing of the appeal.

4.7. Where the Person fails to appear at the time and place scheduled for a hearing of the appeal:

  1. the Person shall be deemed to have abandoned the appeal;
  2. the Screening Decision and the Administrative Penalty as it may have been affected by the Screening Decision shall be deemed to be affirmed;
  3. the Screening Decision and the Administrative Penalty as it may have been affected by the Screening Decision shall not be subject to review, including review by any Court; and
  4. the Person shall pay to the City an additional Fee - Appeal No-Show.

4.8. Except in the case of a Person who is deemed to have abandoned their appeal, a Hearings Officer shall not make any decision respecting an appeal unless the Hearings Officer has given each of the Person, the Director and the Officer who gave the Penalty Notice an opportunity to be heard at the time and place scheduled for the hearing of the appeal.

4.9. Subject to sections 4.4, 4.7 and 4.8, a Hearings Officer may:

    1. extend the time to request an appeal; and may
    2. make any decision that the Screening Officer could have made pursuant to this By-law.

4.10. The decision of a Hearings Officer is final and not subject to review including review by any Court.

5.1. Subject to section 5.3, any notice or document respecting this By-law, including the Penalty Notice, may be given in writing in any of the following ways and is effective:

  1. a copy is placed on or affixed in any manner to a Person's
  2. a copy is delivered to the Person to whom it is addressed;
  3. on the third (3rd) day after a copy is sent by registered mail or by regular lettermail to the Person's last known address;
  4. the conclusion of the transmission of a copy by facsimile to the Person's last known facsimile transmission or
  5. the sending of the notice or document or a copy thereof by e-transmission to the Person's last known e-mail address.

5.2. For the purpose of section 5.1, a Person's last known address, last known facsimile transmission number and last known e-mail address are deemed to include those provided by the Person pursuant to paragraphs 3.4(b) and 4.5(b).

5.3. Any notice or document respecting this By-law to be given to the City shall be in writing, shall be given in any of the following ways, and is effective:

  1. when a copy is delivered to the Clerk of the City of Kingston during regular business hours at its reception area, located on the first floor, City Hall, 216 Ontario Street, Kingston, Ontario;
  2. on the third (3rd) day after a copy is sent by registered mail or by regular lettermail to "Administrative Penalties, City of Kingston, c/o City Clerk, City of Kingston, 216 Ontario Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 2Z3";
  3. upon the conclusion of the transmission of a copy by facsimile transmission to 613-546-5232; or
  4. upon the sending of the notice or document or a copy thereof by e-mail transmission to "CityClerk@cityofkingston.ca".

6.1. No Officer who gives a Penalty Notice may accept payment of the Administrative Penalty respecting that Penalty Notice.

6.2. An Administrative Penalty that is affirmed or reduced or in respect of which the time for payment has been extended pursuant to this By-law is due and payable and constitutes a debt to the City of each Person to whom or to which the Penalty Notice was given.

6.3. Where a Person has paid an Administrative Penalty or an administrative fee that is then cancelled or reduced pursuant to this By-law, the City shall refund the amount cancelled or reduced.

6.4. Where an Administrative Penalty or any administrative fees respecting that Administrative Penalty are not paid within fifteen (15) days after the date that they become due and payable, each Person to whom the Penalty Notice was given shall pay to the City an additional Fee - Late Payment.

7.1. Complaints and comments respecting the administration of the City's system of administrative penalties may be given to the Director. The Director shall consider each such complaint or comment in relation to the Director's consideration of opportunities for improvements to the City's system of administrative penalties.

8.1. The Director may appoint as Screening Officers and Hearings Officers such individuals and on such terms as the Director considers appropriate.

8.2. Nothing in this By-law limits the City's right to enforce a Designated By-law by any other legal means or to use any other process of enforcement available under law.

8.3. The short title of this By-law is the "Administrative Penalty Process By-law".

This By-law was Given all Three Readings and Passed: April 7, 2020

By-law Number Date Passed
2020-114 August 11, 2020
2021-13 January 12, 2021
2021-103 July 13, 2021
2021-167 October 5, 2021
2022-8 January 11, 2022
2022-105 July 12, 2022
2023-195 November 7, 2023
2023-215 December 5, 2023
2024-148 March 5, 2024
2025-308 September 16, 2025
2026-40 April 7, 2026
2026-89 August 11, 2026

Schedules

  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2004-52, being "A By-law to Regulate Noise"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2018-53, being "A By-law to Regulate Nuisance Parties within the City of Kingston"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2014-5, being "Solid Waste Management By-law"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2007-136, being "A By-law to Provide for Maintaining Land in A Clean and Clear Condition"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2009-76, being "A By-law to Provide for The Regulation Use of Parks and Recreation Facilities of The Corporation Of The City of Kingston"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2006-122, being "A By-law to Provide for the Regulation of Water Supply for the City of Kingston"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2018-15, being "A By-law to Prohibit and Regulate the Destruction or Injuring of Trees in the City of Kingston"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2021 -10, being "A By-law to License and Regulate Short-term Rentals in the City of Kingston"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2022-6, being "A By-law to Regulate and License Transportation Network Companies in the City of Kingston"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2023-214, being "Community Standards By-law"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2004–190, being "A By-law To Regulate The Use Of City Streets"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2005–100, being "A By-law For Prescribing Standards For The Maintenance And Occupancy Of Property Within The City of Kingston"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2006-213, being "A By-law To License, Regulate And Govern Certain Businesses"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2008-192, being "A By-law to Provide for the Regulation of Waste Water Services and Discharges to Municipal Sewers for the City of Kingston"
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2026-39, being “A By-law to Regulate and Prohibit the Clear Cutting of Trees on a Temporary Basis”
  • City of Kingston By-law Number 2026-86, being “A By-law to Regulate Passenger Transportation Services in the City of Kingston”

By-law Number 2004-52, A By-law to Regulate Noise

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
4.1(A)(1) Make/cause/permit noise by operating a motor vehicle in a race $75
4.1(A)(1) Make/cause/permit noise by operating a motorized snow vehicle in a race $75
4.1(A)(3) Make/cause/permit noise by operating a combustion engine or pneumatic device without an effective exhaust muffling device $75
4.1(A)(4) Make/cause/permit noise by operating any item of construction equipment without an effective exhaust muffling device $75
4.1(A)(5) Make/cause/permit noise by operating a vehicle in a manner that results in, banging, clanking, squealing or similar sounds because of inadequate maintenance or an improperly secured load. $75
4.1(A)(6) Make/cause/permit noise by operating the horn of a vehicle except in accordance with good safety practice. $150
4.1(A)(7) Make/cause/permit noise by operating any outdoor auditory signalling device or amplification of sounds by electronic means, except in accordance with good safety practice. $200
4.1(A)(8) Make/cause/permit noise by persistent barking, calling or whining or other similar persistent noisemaking by animals and birds kept as household pets. $75
4.1(A)(9) Selling or advertising by shouting, yelling or amplified sound $50
4.2(B)(1) Make/cause/permit noise by operating construction equipment in connection with construction at a prohibited time $75
4.2(B)(3) Make/cause/permit noise by erecting, altering, repairing, dismantling or any activity related to construction at a prohibited time $150
4.2(B)(4) Make/cause/permit noise by operating a device for amplification of sound at prohibited time $200
4.2(B)(6) Make/cause/permit noise by venting or release of a gas from any machine, device or system at a prohibited time $75
4.2(B)(8) Make/cause/permit noise by operating commercial car wash equipment at a prohibited time $150
4.2(B)(10) Make/cause/permit noise by operating any motorized conveyance other than on a highway or a place intended for its operation during a prohibited time. $75
4.2(B)(11) Make/cause/permit noise by operating a tool for domestic purposes at a prohibited time. $75
4.2(B)(12) Make/cause/permit noise by loading, unloading, delivering, packing, unpacking at a prohibited time. $50
4.2(B)(15) Make/cause/permit noise by yelling, shouting, hooting or hollering $100
4.2(B)(20) Make/cause/permit noise by unauthorized setting off of fireworks $75
4.3 Obstructing an Officer $500

By-law Number 2004-190, A By-law to Regulate The Use of City Streets

Section number number Short wording Penalty Amount
4.3 Block or obstruct a highway $180
4.4 Deposit leaves or brush on a highway $180
4.8 Polluting or fouling a highway $180
4.19 Climb utility pole, light standard or tree on a highway $180
4.51 Deposit snow or ice on roadway $180
4.54 Fail to prevent or eliminate slippery condition on sidewalk $180
4.60 Attach a poster, advertisement, or document on a pole, tree, or other object on a highway $180

By-law Number 2005-100, A By-law For Prescribing Standards For The Maintenance And Occupancy Of Property Within The City Of Kingston

Section number Short wording Penalty Amount
10.2 Failure to Comply with an Order $500

By-law Number 2006-122, A By-law to Provide for the Regulation of Water Supply for the City of Kingston

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
7.1(a)(i) Permit/cause the external use of water during the period of June 15th to September 15th on an even calendar date at a municipal address not ending with numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 $50
7.1(a)(ii) Permit/cause the external use of water during the period of June 15th to September 15th on an odd calendar date at municipal address not ending with numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. $50
7.1(a)(iii) Permit/cause the external use of water with a lawn sprinkler or similar device outside the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. on a day where such use is permitted. $50
8.1 Unauthorized operation of a City fire hydrant $500
8.6 Unauthorized use of water from a City fire hydrant $500

By-law Number 2006-213, Business Licensing By-law

By-law Section Short Form Wording Penalty Amount
4.1 Carrying on a trade, business or occupation without a license $150.00
4.22 Obstructing, hindering or interfering with an investigation, inquiries or an inspection $500.00

By-law Number 2007-136, A By-law to Provide for Maintaining Land in a Clean and Clear Condition

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
4.1 Owner/lessee/occupant - Fail to keep grounds, yard, or vacant land clean and free from objects or conditions that might create a health, fire or accident hazard. $75
4.4 Owner/lessee/occupant – Fail to keep land free and clear of all refuse of any kind. $200
4.6 Place or permit composting material or a compost container to be placed in the front yard or an exterior side yard. $50
4.8 Use land or structure within the City for dumping or disposing of refuse of any kind. $200
4.11 Place/permit the placing of any furniture that is manufactured for interior use outside of a dwelling. $50
4.12 Place/permit the placement of any garbage and/or garbage receptacles or recycling boxes in the front yard, front porch or front deck/balcony of any residential dwellings other than for immediate pickup. $50
4.13 Use land or structure in the City for storing used motor vehicles for the purpose of wrecking or dismantling them or salvaging parts from them for sale except in accordance with Zoning By-laws. $200
4.14 Use land for storing or parking recreation vehicle $200
4.15 Owner/lessee/occupant – Fail to keep land free and clear of inoperative motor vehicles $200 per inoperative motor vehicle
5.8 Obstructing an Officer $500

2008-192, A By-law to Provide for the Regulation of Waste Water Services and Discharges to Municipal Sewers for the City of Kingston

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
3.2 Owner fail to maintain, repair or replace sewer lateral $200
3.4 Unauthorized operation or interference $300
3.7 Cause damage to sewage works $300
3.8 Discharge sewage into City's sewage works not in accordance with By-law $200
3.9 Cause or permit discharge of anything other than sewage into sanitary sewer $200
3.10 Cause or permit discharge of anything other than sewage into combined sewer $200
3.11 Permit connection of roof leader or foundation drain to sanitary or combined sewer $200
3.14 Owner/operator fail to prevent damage to sewage works or equipment $300
4.1(a) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage into sanitary or combined sewer or sewer lateral – health or safety hazard $500
4.1(c) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage into sanitary or combined sewer or sewer lateral – bio solids $500
4.1(d) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage into sanitary or combined sewer or sewer lateral – interference with proper operation or maintenance of sewage works $500
4.1(e) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage into sanitary or combined sewer or sewer lateral –hazard $500
4.1(f) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage into sanitary or combined sewer or sewer lateral – offensive odour $500
4.1(g) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage into sanitary or combined sewer or sewer lateral – damage to sewage works $500
4.1(h) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage into sanitary or combined sewer or sewer lateral– obstruction or restriction $500
4.2(a) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage with a pH less than 6.0 or greater than 10.5 into sanitary or combined sewer or sewer lateral $500
4.2(b) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage with two or more separate liquid layers into sanitary or combined sewer or sewer lateral $500
4.2(c) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage with a temperature greater than 60 degrees Celsius into sanitary or combined sewer or sewer lateral sewer $500
4.3(a) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing acute hazardous waste chemicals $500
4.3(b) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing combustible liquid into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(c) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing dyes or colouring materials into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(d) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing fuel into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(e) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of hauled sewage into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(f) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing hauled waste into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(g) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing hazardous industrial waste into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(h) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing hazardous waste chemicals into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(i) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing ignitable waste into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(j) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing pathological waste into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(k) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing PCBs into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(l) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing pesticides into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(m) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing reactive waste into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(n) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing severely toxic waste into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(o) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing waste radioactive prescribed substances into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.3(p) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage containing ground water remediation into a sanitary or lateral sewer $500
4.4 Cause or permit deposit or discharge of sewage into a sanitary or lateral or combined sewer in excess of concentration limits $500
5.1(a) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may interfere with proper operation of storm sewer $500
5.1(b) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may obstruct or restrict a storm sewer $500
5.1(c) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may damage storm sewer $500
5.1(d) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may result in any hazard or adverse impact $500
5.1(e) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may impair or is likely to impair the quality of water $500
5.1(f) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contravene a certificate of approval or order or $500
5.1(g)(1) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may have two or more separate layers $500
5.1(g)(2) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter with a pH less than 6.0 or greater than 9.5 $500
5.1(g)(3) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may have a visible film, sheen or discolouration $500 $500
5.1(g)(4) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may have a temperature greater than 40 degrees Celsius $500 $500
5.1(h)(1) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain acute hazardous waste chemicals $500 $500
5.1(h)(2) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain blowdown $500 $500
5.1(h)(3) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain combustible liquids $500 $500
5.1(h)(4) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain floating debris $500 $500
5.1(h)(5) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain fuel $500 $500
5.1(h)(6) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain hauled sewage $500 $500
5.1(h)(7) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain hauled waste $500 $500
5.1(h)(8) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain hazardous industrial waste $500 $500
5.1(h)(9) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain hazardous waste chemicals $500 $500
5.1(h)(10) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain ignitable waste $500 $500
5.1(h)(11) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain pathological waste $500 $500
5.1(h)(12) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain PCBs $500 $500
5.1(h)(13) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain pesticides $500 $500
5.1(h)(14) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain reactive waste $500 $500
5.1(h)(15) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain severely toxic waste $500 $500
5.1(h)(16) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain sewage $500
5.1(h)(17) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain waste radioactive prescribed substances $500
5.1(h)(18) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain waste disposal site leachate $500
5.1(h)(19) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain a substance from an industrial process $500
5.1(h)(20) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain a substance from an industrial site $500
5.1(i) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain E. coli colonies in excess of 100 per 100mL $500
5.1(j) Cause or permit deposit or discharge of matter which may contain a concentration in excess of limits in Schedule "B" $500
6.1 Cause or permit deposit or discharge of diluted sewage into a sanitary, combined, storm sewer or sewer lateral $500
7.1 Owner/occupant fail to provide "Short Version of the Discharger Information Report" $125
7.2 Owner/occupant fail to comply with "Complete Discharger Information Report" $125
7.3 Owner/occupant fail to provide written notice of change in reports $125
9.4 Owner fail to submit progress report $125
12.1 Install or cause to be installed garbage grinding device $125
12.2 Cause or permit replacement of existing garbage grinding device $125
13.1 Owner/occupant fail to ensure that oil and grease are prevented from entering sewer $300
13.1 Owner/occupant fail to install, operate and properly maintain a grease interceptor $300
13.2 Owner/occupant fail to install a grease interceptor $300
13.3 Owner/occupant fail to ensure sediment is prevented from entering sewer $300
13.5 Owner/occupant fail to keep proper records $300
15.1(g) Discharge or permit to be discharged construction dewatering into storm sewer not in accordance with permit $500

By-law Number 2009-76, A By-law to Provide for the Regulation Use of Parks and Recreation Facilities of the Corporation of the City of Kingston

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
5b. Obstructing an Officer $500
5d. Fail to comply with signs that have been erected pursuant to this By-law prohibiting various activities. $200
5i. Cause injury or damage to any person or to property $300
21 Conduct a Special Event in a City park unless authorized by permit. $250
31a Fail to comply with an order from a provincial offences officer or employee of the City to stop activity constituting or contributing to a contravention of the By-law. $200

By-law Number 2014-5, Solid Waste Management By-law

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
5.1(b) Set out Unacceptable Items on its own or mixed with any Waste for which the City provides a collection service. $75
5.1(h) Occupant – permit the setting out of waste prior to 5:00 p.m. $50
5.1(h) Owner - permit the setting out of waste prior to 5:00 p.m. $50
5.1(j) Owner – fail to remove receptacle or items refused for collection prior to 8:00 p.m. $50
5.1(j) Occupant – fail to remove receptacle or items refused for collection prior to 8:00 p.m. $50
5.1(k) Interfere with waste set out for collection $75
5.1(l) No Person shall throw, place or deposit any waste refuse or debris on any property of the City or any local board thereof, or on any Private Property without the authorization of the Owner or Occupant of that property $200
5.1(n) Deposit waste on public property $75
5.1(n) Permit waste to be deposited on public property $75
5.1(o) Set out waste for collection at prohibited location $75
5.1(v) Obstruct or hinder or attempt to obstruct or hinder an Officer or employee or agent of the City $500
5.1(x) Commercial Property Owner in the Special Collection Area - permit the Setting Out of Waste prior to 4:30 p.m. $50
5.1(x) Occupant in the Special Collection Area - permit the Setting Out of Waste prior to 4:30 p.m. $50
5.1(y) Commercial Property Owner in the Special Collection Area - permit the Setting Out of Waste between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily. $50
5.1(y) Occupant in the Special Collection Area - permit the Setting Out of Waste between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily. $50
5.1(z) Commercial Property Owner in the Special Collection Area – fail to remove any Receptacle, or any items refused for collection prior to 9:30 a.m. daily $50
5.1(z) Occupant in the Special Collection Area – fail to remove any Receptacle, or any items refused for collection prior to 9:30 a.m. daily $50
5.2(b) Owner or Occupant – permit the setting out of more Garbage per Eligible Property per Scheduled Collection Day without each excess Garbage Receptacle has a Garbage Bag Tag affixed to it. $50
6.1 Deposit or allow the depositing of Waste outside the gate or entrance to a Waste Management Facility. $200
6.3 Interfere with waste at a waste management facility $50

By-law Number 2018-15, A By-law to Prohibit and Regulate the Destruction or Injuring of Trees in the City of Kingston

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
3 (a) Injure/destroy a tree or cause injury/destruction to a tree without exemption under Section 5, 6 or 7 $350
3 (b) Injure/destroy a tree or cause injury/destruction to a tree without possession of tree permit $350
4 (a) Contravene the terms or conditions of a tree permit $350
4 (b) Fail to comply with an order issued under the Tree By-law $350
20 (6) Obstruct an Officer $500

By-law Number 2018-53, A By-law to Regulate Nuisance Parties within the City of Kingston

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
4.1 Host, conduct or sponsor a nuisance party $2,000
4.5 Fail to comply with an order to cease a nuisance party $500
4.5 Fail to comply with an order to leave premises $500
4.6 Permit or allow Nuisance Party $500
5.3 Use closed highway $500
5.4 Remove device placed on a closed highway $500
5.4 Deface device placed on a closed highway $500
7.2 Obstructing an Officer $500

By-law Number 2020-68, A By-law for the Provision and Enforcement of Orders During a Declared Emergency

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
4.1 Failure to comply with an Order issued pursuant to section 4.2 of By-law Number 2020-68. $2000

By-law Number 2021-10, A By-law to License and Regulate Short-term Rentals in the City of Kingston

Section number Short wording Penalty Amount
4.1 Market or permit the Marketing of a Short-term Rental without holding a valid Licence. $125
4.2 Operate or permit to be operated a Short-term Rental without holding a valid Licence. $250
4.3 Knowingly submit an application for a Licence that contains false, misleading or deceptive information. $125
4.3 Operating a short-term rental brokerage without a licence $300.00
4.4 Marketing a short-term rental with an unlicensed short-term rental brokerage $300.00
7.4 Permit a Short-term Rental in a Dwelling Unit in combination with a Bed and Breakfast accommodation $125
7.5 Operator fail to adhere to and require guests to comply with parking regulations contained in the Zoning By-law and the City's Parking By-law 2010-128, "A By-law to Regulate Parking." $125
7.6 a. Operator fail to provide to every guest of the Short-term Rental the emergency contact information of a person available during the guest's entire rental period, and ensure that such information is prominently displayed in the Short-term Rental at all times when the Short- term Rental is operated. $125
7.6 b Operator fail to post a copy of the Licence in a prominent place near the entry to the Short- term Rental at all times when the Short-term Rental is operated. $125
7.6 c Operator fail to include the Operator's Licence number in a conspicuous place in any medium or material used to Market the Short-term Rental. $125
7.8 Operator fail to provide the information referred to in Section 7.7 to the Director within thirty (30) days of being requested to do so by the Division. $125
9.2 Obstruct an Officer $500
10.2 Fail to comply with an order $375

By-law Number 2021-166, A By-law to Repeal and Replace By-law Number 2004-144, A By-law to Regulate Animals

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
4.1 Own/keep/possess/transfer an animal not listed in Schedule A (Permitted Species) $200
5.1 Fail to register cat or dog $100
5.12 Fail to have tag securely fixed to dog or cat $75
6.1 Operate as kennel or breeder without a permit $300
9.1 Fail to comply with conditions for keeping hens $100
10.1 Fail to comply with conditions for keeping pigeons $100
11.1 Keep livestock or poultry on ineligible property $100
12.1 Fail to immediately remove feces left by dog $75
12.3 a) Permit/cause dog to be public nuisance – persistent barking or howling $100
12.3 b) Permit/cause dog to be public nuisance - damage public or private property $100
12.3 c) Permit/cause dog to be public nuisance - scatter garbage or interfere with waste management activities $100
12.3 d) Permit/cause dog to be public nuisance - chase persons, vehicles, domestic animals, livestock, poultry, hens or other animals kept on an agricultural property $100
12.3 e) Permit/cause dog to be public nuisance – swimming at public beach, swimming or wading pool $100
12.3 f) Permit/cause dog to be public nuisance – off-leash in public park or recreational area $100
14.1 Allow an animal to remain outdoors in extreme weather without adequate protection from elements $300
14.2 Allow an animal to be tethered unattended on public property longer than 15 minutes $100
14.3 Allow an animal to be tethered unattended on private property without meeting conditions $150
15.1 Cause/permit dog/livestock/poultry/hen to be at-large $100
15.5 Fail to comply with off-leash dog park regulation $100
15.6 Cause/permit dog or cat to trespass $100
17.2 Fail to comply with an Animal Control Order – dog bite/attack $300
17.4 Fail to comply with an Animal Control Order – non- permitted species $500
18.1 Obstruct an Officer $500

By-law Number 2022-6, A By-law to Regulate and License Transportation Network Companies in the City of Kingston

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
2.1 (b) Advertise/represent that Person carries on/engages in business of Transportation Network Company without a Licence $250
3.2 Submit false/deceptive information in application/document to the City $500
4.7 Fail to notify Director of change in Licensee information $250
4.8 Assign/transfer Licence $500
6.2 (a) Fail to ensure insurer gives City notice of change $250
6.2 (b) Fail to ensure insurance includes City as an additional insured $500
7.3 Fail to obtain or provide proof of insurance from every TNC Driver $250
7.4 Fail to maintain proof of insurance from every TNC Driver $250
8.2 Fail to make prescribed information available to the public $250
8.3 Accept/offer/facilitate TNC Services using App that does not meet requirements $500
9.1 Fail to create and maintain prescribed records $250
9.2 Fail to make records/information available to the Director $250
9.3 Fail to provide Director access to App or fail to create and maintain law enforcement response team $250
9.4 Interfere/hamper with Director's inspection or investigation $500
10.1 Fail to issue identification card to every TNC Driver $250
10.2 Fail to ensure every TNC Driver complies with identification requirements $250
11.2 Fail to keep copies of prescribed TNC Driver documents/records $250
11.3 Fail to make prescribed TNC Driver documents/records available to Director $250
12.2 Fail to keep prescribed TNC Vehicle documents/records $250
12.3 Fail to make prescribed TNC Vehicle documents/records available to Director $250
13.2 Fail to make screening criteria available to Director $250
13.8 Fail to provide Director with notice of increase in number of TNC Vehicles $250
16.3 Obstruct/hinder or attempt to obstruct/hinder Director, employee or agent $500

By-law Number 2023-214, Community Standards By-law

By-law Section Short Form Wording Penalty Amount
4.1 Cause or permit offensive odours on premises $100
5.1 Fail to remove or contain and secure building materials $200
5.2 Cause or permit dust to escape a premises $100
6.1 Cause or permit vehicle or boat to idle $100
7.1 Feed or permit the feeding of wildlife $100
7.1 Leave food accessible to wildlife $100
8.1 Disturb goods at a textile collection site $200
8.2 Dumping of donated goods at a textile collection site $200
8.3 Depositing of flyer where sign or notice posted $100
9.1 Engage in or permit conduct in public likely to disturb and interfere by causing public disturbance $200
9.1 Engage in or permit conduct in public likely to disturb and interfere in manner could reasonably cause offence or intimidation $200
9.2 Urinate or defecate in public place $200
9.3 Participate in fight or similar physical confrontation in public place $200
9.4 Loiter on highway or sidewalk after request to move on by provincial offences officer $200
9.5 Loiter in any public place, washroom or change- room $200
9.6 Engage in lewd sexual activity $200
9.7 Use or display drug paraphernalia in a park or a public place within 15 metres of a park $200
9.8 Engage in or permit unsafe disposal of needles or syringes in public place $150
9.9 Cause or permit material to be deposited on highway $200
9.12 Jump, dive or otherwise propel from bridge $200
10.2 Fail to establish shopping cart retrieval program $200
10.3 Fail to lock or secure shopping carts $100
11.1 Vandalize City property $200

By-law Number 2026-39, A By-law to Regulate and Prohibit the Clear Cutting of Trees on a Temporary Basis

By-law section Short wording Penalty amount
4.1 Cause, permit, allow or perform any clear cutting in a woodland or a woodlot, except as authorized by By-law $5000 base administrative penalty, plus $5000 for each 0.1 hectares (or part thereof) of area clear cut.*

*For the purposes of calculating the administrative penalty, the minimum area of clear cutting shall be deemed to be 0.1 hectares
6.2 Obstruct or hinder or attempt to obstruct or hinder the director, a provincial offences officer or other authorized employee or agent of the City in the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty $500
6.5 Neglect or refuse to produce information or thing or to provide information required by director, a provincial offences officer or other authorized employee or agent of the City acting pursuant to an order under section 438 of the Municipal Act, 2001 $500
7.1(b) Contravene an order under section 6.6 of By-law $1000

By-Law Number 2026-86, A By-Law to Regulate Passenger Transportation Services in the City of Kingston

By-Law Section Short Wording Penalty Amount
3.1 Provide prescribed class of passenger transportation services without a licence $500
3.3 Advertise/publish/represent that person provides passenger transportation services without a licence $250
3.4 Operate a motor vehicle for purpose of providing passenger transportation services not in accordance with by-law or applicable schedule $500
4.4 Submit false/deceptive information in application/document to the City $500
4.4 Make a false/deceptive statement in application/document to the City $500
6.5 Fail to immediately surrender licence/driver identification badge upon licence suspension/revocation/expiry $250
7.1(b), Sch. A, 3.4(b), 4.3(f) Fail to prominently display licence or identification badge $250
7.1(c) Fail to produce licence for inspection $250
7.1 (d) Fail to comply with licence conditions $500
7.1(e), Sch. A, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 9.4, 9.5, 9.6 Fail to put in effect or maintain required insurance $500
7.1(f) Fail to operate and maintain motor vehicle in accordance with by-law $250
7.2(a) Fail to notify director of change in licensee information $250
7.3(a) Cause or permit passenger transportation services to pose a danger to health/safety/well- being of individuals or property $500
7.3(b) Cause or permit passenger transportation services to become/cause/contribute to public nuisance $500
7.4(a) Assign/transfer/lease/otherwise deal with licence without consent $500
7.4(b), (c) Advertise/promote/provide passenger transportation services under incorrect name $250
7.6 Charge additional fees for persons with disabilities/mobility aids/service animals $250
8.1 Fail to ensure motor vehicle used for passenger transportation services meets requirements $500
8.3 Fail to keep documents and records for prescribed period $250
8.4 Fail to make documents and records available to director $250
8.5 Carry greater number of passengers than manufacturer’s rating of seating capacity $500
9.2 Obstruct or hinder director, provincial offences officer or City employee who is exercising a power/performing a duty $500
9.5 Neglect/refuse to produce information/thing or to provide information to director, provincial offences officer or City employee $500
Sch. A, 2.10(a) Taxicab broker fail to administer driver screening, training and examination requirements $250
Sch. A, 2.10(b), (c) Taxicab broker fail to maintain records related to driver screening, training and examination requirements or to provide records to director $250
Sch. A, 3.1 Taxicab driver provide passenger transportation services without association with a licensed taxicab broker $500
Sch. A, 3.4(c) Taxicab driver fail to illuminate/turn off roof sign $250
Sch. A, 3.4(d) Taxicab driver fail to notify director of prescribed events $250
Sch. A, 3.4(e) Taxicab driver fail to notify director of change in taxicab broker association $250
Sch. A, 3.5(a) Provide passenger transportation services for more than 12 hours in 24 hour period $500
Sch. A, 3.5(b) Operate taxicab while impaired $500
Sch. A, 3.5(c) Operate taxicab with broken or missing taxi meter $250
Sch. A, 4.2(a) Taxicab broker issue letter of association without verifying driver eligibility requirements $250
Sch. A, 4.2(b) Taxicab broker employ/dispatch unlicensed or non-compliant taxicab driver $250
Sch. A, 4.3(a) Fail to maintain permanent dispatch office in Kingston $250
Sch. A, 4.3(b) Fail to provide 24-hour dispatch service $250
Sch. A, 4.3(c) Fail to accept trip requests by telephone $250
Sch. A, 4.3(d) Dispatch taxicab not equipped for debit and credit card payments $250
Sch. A, 4.3(e) Dispatch taxicab without functioning digital navigation system $250
Sch. A, 4.3(g) Fail to take reasonable steps to ensure driver civility and courtesy $250
Sch. A, 4.3(h) Fail to maintain or provide required policies or procedures $250
Sch. A, 4.3(i) Fail to ensure associated taxicabs maintain similar roof signs $250
Sch. A, 4.3(j) Fail to submit required monthly broker records to director $250
Sch. A, 4.3(k) Fail to create or maintain required broker records or to provide required broker records to director $250
Sch. A, 4.3(l) Fail to maintain or provide digital trip and dispatch records in required format $250
Sch. A, 5.1 Taxicab plateholder not associated with a licensed taxicab broker $500
Sch. A, 5.2(a) Taxicab plateholder operate taxicab without compliant roof sign $250
Sch. A, 5.2(b) Taxicab plateholder fail to remove roof sign when taxicab not in service $250
Sch. A, 5.2(c) Taxicab plateholder fail to post or maintain no smoking and no vaping signs $250
Sch. A, 5.2(d) Taxicab plateholder fail to properly display taxi plate number on taxicab $250
Sch. A, 5.2(e) Taxicab plateholder operate taxicab without compliant in- vehicle camera system $250
Sch. A, 5.2(f) Taxicab plateholder fail to display required camera recording signage $250
Sch. A, 5.2(g) Taxicab plateholder fail to retain or provide camera recordings as required $250
Sch. A, 5.2(h) Taxicab plateholder fail to replace damaged or illegible taxi plate $250
Sch. A, 5.2(i) Taxicab plateholder operate taxicab without required spare tire, jack or fire extinguisher $250
Sch. A, 5.2(j) Taxicab plateholder operate taxicab without approved flashing 911 emergency light and signage $250
Sch. A, 5.3 Taxicab plateholder permit operation of taxicab by unlicensed or non-compliant driver $250
Sch. A, 5.4 Taxicab plateholder fail to notify director of change in broker association $250
Sch. A, 7.1 Fail to ensure taxi meter meets requirements $250
Sch. A, 8.2 Operate accessible taxicab without accessible taxicab licence $500
Sch. A, 8.3(a) Fail to securely fasten mobility aid in accessible taxicab $500
Sch. A, 8.3(b) Fail to prioritize accessible taxicab service requests $250
Sch. A, 8.3(c) Fail to record accessible taxicab trips $250
Sch. A, 8.4 Operate accessible taxicab without required mobility aid tie downs $500
Sch. A, 8.4 Operate accessible taxicab not compliant with Highway Traffic Act Regulation 629 $500
Sch. A, 8.6(a) Fail to prioritize dispatch of accessible taxicab services $250
Sch. A, 10.1(a) Charge fare not authorized by tariff card or by-law $250
Sch. A, 10.1(b) Fail to display current tariff card in taxicab $250
Sch. A, 10.1(c) Fail to take most efficient route to destination $250
Sch. A, 10.1(d) Fail to calculate fare using taxi meter $250
Sch. A, 10.1(e) Commence fare calculation before authorized under by-law $250
Sch. A, 10.1(f) Charge fare for delay caused by driver incompetence $250
Sch. A, 10.1(g) Charge fare for time elapsed due to early arrival $250
Sch. A, 10.1(h) Charge fare inconsistent with taxi meter or receipt $250
Sch. A, 10.1(i) Fail to provide required receipt information during fare dispute $250

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.