The City of Stratford shares a common goal with our residents to make our community safe, healthy and enjoyable for everyone. The City of Stratford passes by-laws on a wide range of services to set standards and help us build a safe environment.
Commonly Asked About By-laws
Here is a list of commonly requested by-laws. These by-laws are electronic copies made available for information purposes only and are not to be considered an official version of the by-law. Official copies or certified true copies of by-laws can be obtained by emailing the Clerk's Office or by contacting us by phone at 519-271-0250 extension 5237.
| Animal Control (195-2002) |
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To prohibit, regulate, restrict animals and to require the registration and identification of animals in the City of Stratford. Download Animal Control by-law Contact: O.S.P.C.A (519) 273-6600 |
| Business Licensing (187-2004) |
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To licence, regulate and govern certain businesses in the City of Stratford and to establish licensing fees and to repeal certain By-laws. Download Business Licensing by-law Contact: Clerk's Office (519) 271-0250 extension 5237 |
| Council Procedural (140-2007) |
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To provide for the Rules of Order and Procedure for the Municipal Council of the City of Stratford and to repeal By-law 216-2002, as amended. Download Council Procedural by-law Contact: Clerk's Office (519) 271-0250 extension 5237 |
| Fees and Charges |
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To establish fees and charges to be collected by The Corporation of the City of Stratford and to repeal By-law 117-2023 as amended. Download Fees and Charges by-law Contact: Clerk's Office (519) 271-0250 extension 5237 |
| Fence and Hedge (128-2003) |
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To regulate the height and description of lawful fences and hedges and to require owners to fence outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, whirlpools and spas, and to obtain permits for the construction of swimming pools and fences around swimming pools. Download Fence and Hedge by-law Contact: Municipal By-law Enforcement (519) 271-0250 extension 5345 |
| Fireworks (73-2006) |
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To prohibit and regulate the sale of fireworks and the setting off of fireworks in the City of Stratford and to repeal By-law 184-87 and all amendments thereto. Contact: Fire Department 519-271-3212 |
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Idling Control By-law (133-2001) |
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To prohibit excessive idling of vehicles in the City of Stratford. Download Idling Control By-law Contact: Municipal By-law Enforcement (519) 271-0250 extension 5345 |
| Noise Control (113-79) |
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To control noise. Contact: Municipal By-law Enforcement (519) 271-0250 extension 5345 |
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Off Road Vehicle (135-2020) |
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To permit and control the operation of Off Road Vehicles on certain highways and streets and property under the jurisdiction of The Corporation of the City of Stratford and to repeal By-law 65-2012, as amended. Download Off Road Vehicle By-law Contact: Stratford Police Department (519) 271-4141 or Events Coordinator (519) 271-0250 extension 5270 |
| Open Fire and Burning (5-2006) |
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To regulate the setting of open fires, including establishing the times during which open fires may be set and to repeal By-law 68-96 and all amendments thereto. Download Open Fire and Burning by-law Contact: Fire Department (519) 271-3212 |
| Private Tree By-law (86-2020) |
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To prohibit or regulate the destruction or injury of trees on private property within the City of Stratford. Contact: Parks and Forestry 519-271-0250 extension 5246 |
| Property Standards (141-2002) |
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Pursuant to the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, c.23, as may be amended from time to time, for prescribing standards for the maintenance and occupancy of property within the City of Stratford and for prohibiting the occupancy of use of such property that does not conform with the standards and for requiring property that does not conform with the standards to be repaired and maintained to conform with the standards or for the site to be cleared of all buildings, structures, debris or refuse and left in graded and levelled condition and to repeal By-law 92-75 and Amending By-law 96-77, By-law 4953, and By-law 65-73. Download Property Standards By-law Contact: Municipal By-law Enforcement (519) 271-0250 extension 5345 |
| Signs (159-2004) |
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To prohibit and regulate signs and other advertising devices and the posting of notices on buildings or vacant lots within the City of Stratford and to repeal By-laws 159-81 and amendments, and By-law 177-80 and amendments. Contact: Municipal By-law Enforcement (519) 271-0250 extension 5345 |
| Smoking in Public Places (174-2003) |
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To regulate smoking in public places and work places in the City of Stratford. Contact: Huron Perth Public Health 1-888-221-2133 For enforcement, please contact a Tobacco Enforcement Officer at 519-271-7600 extension 730 |
| Snow and Ice Removal (225-2005) |
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To provide for the removal of snow and ice from roofs and sidewalks in the City of Stratford and to repeal By-law 53-82 and amendments thereto. Download Snow and Ice Removal By-law Contact: Engineering Department (519) 271-0250 extension 5311 |
| Taxi and Limousine Licensing (1-2018) |
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Regulating and governing owners and drivers of cabs, limousines and sightseeing coaches and establishing the rates or fares charged for the conveyance of passengers or goods wholly within the Municipality of Stratford or within five kilometres beyond its limits and providing for the collection of such rates or fares and for revoking any licence. Download Police Services Taxi By-law Contact: Stratford Police Services (519) 271-4147 extension 5230 |
| Traffic and Parking (159-2008) |
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To regulate traffic and the parking of motor vehicles in the City of Stratford. Download Traffic and Parking By-law Contact: Engineering Department (519) 271-0250 extension 5311, Clerk's Office (519) 271-0250 extension 5230 |
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Tree (5-2003) |
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Regulating the planting, maintenance, protection, preservation and removal of trees on highways within the City. Contact: Community Services (519) 271-0250 extension 5276 |
| Zoning (10-2022) |
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To regulate the use of land, and the character, location and use of buildings and structures in the City of Stratford. Visit the Planning page of the City's website for more information on the comprehensive zoning by-law. Contact: Planning Services (519) 271-0250 extension 5345 |
Municipal By-law Enforcement
Municipal By-law Enforcement Officers investigate complaints received from the public regarding alleged violations and non-compliance with various City by-laws. By-law enforcement officers also work with the public to license Bed and Breakfast Establishment and Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licenses.
For more information please check out our Municipal By-law Enforcement page which contains additional information on:
- how to register a complaint,
- licences and registration,
- permits, and
- copies of By-laws that are enforced regularly.