By-law Enforcement

Municipal By-law Enforcement

Township of Selwyn Municipal Law Enforcement Officers (MLEO) are responsible for enforcement of Municipal By-laws. Below are some of the Township’s most commonly used By-laws. For a full list of the Township's By-laws please visit the By-Law page

Your pets are members of our community and we want them to be safe and enjoy living in Selwyn Township. Our Animal Control By-law keeps our community and companion animals safe by making sure pet owners understand their responsibilities.

You can report violations of Township By-laws including the Animal Control By-law and Stoop and Scoop By-law online. 

Visit our Animal Control page to learn more.

The Noise By-law regulates noise, vibration, odour, dust and outdoor illumination, including indoor lighting that can be seen outdoors.

Important Reminders:

  • Be a good neighbour and remember you can be charged at any time of the day in the event you are creating noise that is disruptive to others.
  • If you experience disturbing/excessive noise, report to the appropriate police service.
  • Fireworks at individual properties can generate unwanted noise, and disturb pets and wild life.

The Clean Property By-law regulates conditions on private property that may become a public nuisance. This includes matters such as long grass and weeds, the accumulation of waste, outdoor storage, and discarded or inoperative vehicles.

The Property Standards By-law establishes minimum standards for the maintenance and occupancy of residential and non-residential properties. It helps ensure buildings and properties are safe, structurally sound, and properly maintained to protect the health, safety, and well-being of residents.

The Comprehensive Zoning By-law regulates how land can be used and establishes standards for the location, size, and use of buildings and structures throughout Selwyn Township. It helps guide orderly development and compatible land use within the community.

The Encumbering By-law helps protect Township-owned property by regulating activities that obstruct, damage, or interfere with the use of municipal lands, roads, parks, and other public property.

The Fence By-law prescribes standards for the construction and maintenance of fences. It helps ensure fences are safe, properly maintained, and compatible with surrounding properties.

By-law officers are responsible for enforcing Township By-laws that regulate the licencing of refreshment vehicles, trailer or tourist camps, and rooming houses.

A full list of licence application forms is available on our Forms, Applications and Permits page

Concerns outside of Municipal Law Enforcement Authority

This includes property line disputes, neighbour disputes, and tree-related disputes.

For concerns involving trespassing, threats, or other criminal matters, contact the Police.

For fire safety concerns, contact the Selwyn Township Fire Department at 705-292-7282.

Drone incidents can be reported to Transport Canada.

Noxious weeds within the road allowance are the responsibility of Peterborough County. Any noxious weed on private property is to be maintained by the property owner. 

To report sightings of noxious weeds, please notify Peterborough County by filling out the Report an Issue form.

The use of pesticides is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Complaint Process

For Immediate Assistance

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

If immediate assistance is required outside of regular business hours, contact the Police. The Ontario Provincial Police and Peterborough Police Service respond to calls based on priority. Response times for By-law-related concerns may be delayed.

Learn More About Policing in Selwyn Township

Report An Issue

You can file a By-law complaint online. Before you start your report, please make sure you have the following information:

  • Complaint location (address)
  • Summary of when and where the problem/infraction is occurring
  • Explanation of the complaint and details to assist with an investigation

You will need to provide your name, address and contact information when you submit a complaint. Anonymous complaints are not accepted.

Complainant information is confidential and protected under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). In select cases, complainant information may be disclosed as part of a court proceeding.

The Township of Selwyn does not provide updates to complainants after a complaint is filed however, after filing a complaint a By-law officer may reach out to you if they require additional information to support their investigation.

Concerns related to the Building and Planning Department including permits, septic, and zoning inquiries can also be reported online.