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By-laws for Businesses

There are several municipal by-laws to ensure business owners operate a legitimate business and maintain their property or building. Understanding by-laws helps owners recognize their responsibilities & avoid consequences for violations.

Business Licence By-law

Most businesses must have a licence to operate legally. This by-law protects public health & safety and ensures consistency for owners & customers.

Building Permit By-law

Any owner wishing to change their business from one use to another, modify an existing building or build a new building must get building permit.

Cooling Tower Registry By-law

Every business owner must register their cooling towers with Public Health Services, have a Risk Management Plan & maintain a log book for each tower.

Food Handler Certification By-law

All high & medium risk food premises in Hamilton are required to have at least one certified food handler at the premise who supervises.

Noise Control By-law

People cannot make or allow others to make an unreasonable noise or a noise that will disturb Hamilton residents.

Property Standards By-law

Every property owner must look after the property according to the standards set out by the City of Hamilton to protect occupants & public.

Sewer Use By-law

Sewer discharge guidelines for commercial, industrial, institutional & residential users that discharge wastewater to the city’s sewer works.

Sign By-law

Regulates all outdoor signs & advertising space to ensure that signs are not a safety hazard, such as interfering with traffic visibility.

Snow off Sidewalks By-law

Owners or occupants must remove all snow/ice from sidewalks, roofs & eaves of buildings that overhang the road or sidewalk within 24 hours of storm.

Vacant Building Registry By-law

Every owner of a vacant building has to register the building with the City of Hamilton.

Yard Maintenance By-law

Business owner or occupant must keep their property clean of waste, graffiti and ensure grass/weeds do not exceed 20 cm (8 inches) in height.

Zoning By-law

Zoning By-law for Hamilton, including new 05-200 and Zoning By-law of the former municipalities.

Date modified

June 14, 2024