Vacant Building Registry By-law

The City of St. Catharines' Vacant Building Registry By-law regulates uninhabited structures in the City.

Owners are required to register their vacant buildings at build.stcatharines.ca and provide updates every two weeks regarding property standards issues, lot maintenance concerns, and ensuring the building is secure from trespass every two weeks until the building is no longer deemed vacant under the by-law.

By-law enforcement staff will monitor registered buildings ensuring vacant buildings are safe and meet property standards and Building Code requirements.

In addition, we have developed some videos to assist you with some of the tasks required as you navigate through the process of a new vacant building registration and renewing or recording an inspection for your vacant building.

Fees

See fees: Planning and Building Services - Vacant Building Application.

These fees cover the staff resources of enhanced monitoring.

Exempt Buildings

• Buildings under demolition
• Buildings subject to building permits
• Non-residential farm buildings
• Government controlled properties
• Seasonal Buildings