Weeds & Tall Grass By-Law Compliance

Purpose

The City of St. Catharines has adopted the Maintenance of Grasses and Weeds By-law to require property owners to cut and remove grasses and weeds that exceed 20 cm (8 in) in height. This by-law applies to both the property and abutting boulevard.

How to register a by-law infraction

By-law infractions should be made when grass and weeds exceed 20 cm (8 in).

1. Complete and submit our Weeds and Tall Grass By-law compliance form.
2. Once the form is received, a By-Law Inspector will inspect the property and/or abutting boulevard.
3. If there is a violation of the Maintenance of Grasses and Weeds By-law the City will send a letter notifying the property owner. The letter will include a date for compliance.
4. If the grass or weeds are not cut by the compliance date the City will cut the property and/or abutting boulevard and sends a bill to the owner.

If at any point during the process the long grass and/or weeds are cut by the owner the complaint is closed and no further action is taken.

How much does it cost if the city cuts tall grass or weeds on my property?

The 2019 Schedule of Rates and Fees outlines the following charges for cutting grass and weeds on private properties and the abutting boulevard. All fees include a 10% administration fee.

• $452.45 for 0 - 7,500 sq. ft
• $515.75 for 7,500 - 15,000 sq. ft
• $755.50 for 15,000 - 30,000 sq. ft
• $792.35 for 30,000 - 1 acre
• $874.35 for 1 acre - 1.5 acres
• $1,025.10 for 1.5 acres - 2 acres
• $452.45 for each additional acre over 2 acres

Note: Subdivisions are charged as individual lots.

The City may choose to use a contractor to cut tall grass and weeds. If a contractor is used the property owner is charged the contractor's cost plus an administrative fee of $166.90.