Exemptions & Appeals

• Special events that feature amplified sound, such as concerts, weddings or house parties using loudspeakers or amplified music.
• Construction noises outside the allowable hours.

Apply for Relief from the Noise By-law

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 - 45 days in advance of the event or activity.

Application Fee (due upon submission): Fees are outlined on our User Fees & Charges page, under By-law Enforcement.

• Rear yard fence in excess of 2m to 3m
• Request use of barbed wire on nonindustrial property
• Height of fence/hedge in front yard that does not cause visibility issues

Apply for Relief from the Fence By-Law

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 - 45 days in advance of the installation of the fence or compliance with an order registered against the property.

Application Fee (due upon submission): Fees are outlined on our User Fees & Charges page, under By-law Enforcement.

• Fascia (wall) sign over 25% of area of wall
• Ground sign located closer than setback allows
• Pole Sign exceeding allowable height  

Apply for Relief from the Fence By-Law

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 - 45 days in advance of the installation of the sign or compliance with an order registered against the property.

Application Fee (due upon submission): Fees are outlined on our User Fees & Charges page, under By-law Enforcement.

Apply for Relief from the Pool By-law

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 - 45 days in advance of the installation of the sign or compliance with an order registered against the property

Application Fee (due upon submission): Fees are outlined on our User Fees & Charges page, under By-law Enforcement.

Apply for Relief from the Encroachment By-law

Note: Please submit your application at least 30 to 45 days in advance of the erection or placement of the encroachment, or compliance with an order registered against the property

Application Fee (due upon submission): Fees are outlined on our User Fees & Charges page, under By-law Enforcement.

The Discharge of Firearms & Bows By-law provides standards for discharging Firearms in Port Colborne.

Relief from the Discharge of Firearms By-law Application Form can be requested for locations, or events the Discharge of Firearms By-law. Examples include:

• Location of discharge of firearms
• Special events, carnivals or fundraisers (target shooting games)

Please submit your application at least 30 – 45 days in advance of the event or discharge of the firearm, or compliance with an order registered against the property

Application Fee (due upon submission): Fees are outlined on our User Fees & Charges page, under By-law Enforcement. 

You can pay for your relief application in person at the cashier counter on the first floor of City Hall in Port Colborne located at 66 Charlotte Street. 

We accept cash, debit, credit, cheques, bank drafts or money orders. 

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on all statutory holidays)

Make your cheque payable to the City of Port Colborne and mail to: 

City of Port Colborne
66 Charlotte Street
Port Colborne, ON
L3K 3C8

• Include the address in question for the application on the memo line.
• US cheques are accepted and we apply the exchange rate the day it is received.

There is a 24-hour mail drop slot located at the front left of City Hall.

Make your cheque payable to the City of Port Colborne.

• Include the address in question for the application on the memo line.
• No cash payments please.

If you have received a Property Standards Order you can complete the Property Standards By-law Notice of Appeal Form to appeal to the Property Standards Committee. 

To formally appeal, you must complete the Notice of Appeal Form and pay the required fee within fourteen days after the service of the order. You will find the due date of the appeal on the form titled City of Port Colborne Order to Remedy under the Appeal to Property Standards Committee section. Failure to send out the appeal in time will result in the Order being deemed confirmed with no further option for appeal.

Application Fee (due upon submission): Fees are outlined on our User Fees & Charges page, under By-law Enforcement. 

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) is a fast and flexible process for payment, appeal and collection of municipal penalties. AMPS is fully managed by the City of Port Colborne and replaced the former judicial appeal process. 

Once a penalty notice has been issued, the recipient has the following options: 

1. Pay the Penalty Notice (see below for payment options), or 
2. Request a review by a Screening Officer using the AMPS Screening Form.

Request for Screening

What if I am still not satisfied with the results of the Screening?

If the matter is still in dispute following the review by the Screening Officer, you may request a review by a Hearing Officer. A request must be made within fifteen (15) calendar days following the Screening Officer's decision. It is important to note that you may only appeal the Screening Officer's decision and the only information/evidence that was submitted at the Screening will be considered at a Hearing review. 

If you wish to proceed with a Hearing review following a decision made by the Screening Officer, please contact By-law Services at ampsappeals@portcolborne.ca 

What happens if I do nothing with my Penalty Notice?

If you do not appeal or pay your Penalty Notice, in addition to possible administration/late payment fees, the penalty will be applied onto the property owner's tax account and collected as municipal taxes. 

What are my options for payment?

We accept credit, debit, cheque, credit, and cash (if paid in person). More information on payment options is available on the Parking Penalties page.