The Municipality of Meaford provides guidelines and regulations concerning property standards. backyard chickens, fences, trees, noise, and to ensure Meaford's homes are safe, comply with legislation, and able to be enjoyed. 

Property Standards

The Municipality of Meaford sets standards for maintaining all properties within its borders. These standards ensure that all properties are safe, clean, and structurally stable.

The Property Standards By-law includes comprehensive regulations for all buildings, structures, and properties. It contains regulations related to:

  • Garbage and discarded vehicles or machinery

  • Grass, brush, noxious weeds, and dead trees

  • Collapsed or dilapidated structures

  • Insects and pests

  • Disused vehicles

  • Sewage and drainage

  • Parking areas

  • Roofs, foundations, walls, ceilings, floors, windows

Backyard Chickens

Residents in Meaford's urban areas are permitted to keep hens (roosters are not allowed) on their residential properties for personal use, such as companionship or egg production. It’s essential to ensure that the chicken enclosures comply with the standards set by the Zoning by-Law.

Application Process:

  1. Review the requirements outlined in the Zoning By-Law

  2. Familiarize yourself with the biosecurity recommendations for small flock poultry owners and the keeping your birds healthy resource provided by the Ontario government.

  3. Complete the Backyard Poultry Application Form and email it to planning@meaford.ca or drop it off at the Municipal Office.

Fences

The Municipality regulates fences, particularly those related to swimming pool enclosures and structures on corner lots that might obstruct vehicle sightlines.

Pool Fences: All swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence to ensure public safety and prevent accidental drownings. Before constructing a pool or modifying an existing pool fence, residents must obtain a building permit. Specific regulations regarding the materials, height, location, and framing of pool enclosures are detailed in the Swimming Pool Enclosure by-law.

Corner Lots: For properties situated at street intersections, it’s crucial to maintain clear sightlines for vehicles. No fences, buildings, structures, or plants over 1 meter in height are permitted within the "Sight Triangle" area. Detailed information can be found in section 4.22 of the Zoning By-law.

For disputes between neighbours about fences on property lines, please see the Line Fences Act.

Trees

Starting July 2023, the Municipality initiated a comprehensive inventory of municipal trees, including those in communities like Leith, Annan, Bognor, and Woodford, as well as municipally owned facilities such as sports fields, community centers, and cemeteries. This project aims to create a digital record to manage and maintain the urban forest canopy effectively.

Tree Removal: Residents may require a permit before removing or cutting down a tree on their property. For more information, refer to the Tree Cutting By-law. To remove a protected tree, complete the Tree Cutting Permit Application and email it to planning@meaford.ca or drop it off at the Municipal Office. 

Properties under 1 Hectare: A permit is required if the tree is a public tree, if the property is zoned for Environmental Protection with Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, or if the property is subject to a tree preservation plan.

Properties over 1 Hectare: Trees on these properties are subject to the Grey County Forest Management By-law.

Noise
Excessive noise can disrupt the peace and comfort of residents. The Municipality has identified several sources of noise that may be considered disruptive, including:
  • Loud music from radios, TVs, or other electronic devices

  • Musical instruments

  • Bells or horns

  • Shouting

  • Noise from vehicles or power tools

  • Noise from pets

  • Fireworks

Certain noises are subject to time-based restrictions. For detailed information, please consult the Noise By-law

Report a Noise Concern 

 

Resources:

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