What is the primary role of a Property Standards Officer within Ontario municipalities?

• A. To administer and enforce municipal property standards by-laws, inspect properties for compliance, issue notices and orders, and coordinate corrective actions to remedy substandard conditions.
• B. Issue fines for minor code infractions.
• C. Approve zoning changes and development permits.
• D. Enforce provincial health regulations only.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a Property Standards Officer is the person who administers and enforces the municipality’s property standards by-laws. They must inspect properties to determine if they meet minimum maintenance and safety standards, serve notices and orders when deficiencies are found, and coordinate the steps needed to bring a property up to standard. This role is grounded in the Municipal Act and the municipality’s property standards by-law, and the officer often collaborates with other departments to address any related issues, such as building or health concerns, to achieve compliance.

Zoning changes and development permits are tasks for the planning function, not property standards enforcement. Health regulations fall under health units and provincial rules, not solely under a property standards officer. The officer’s focus isn’t primarily to issue fines for minor infractions, but to ensure compliance through notices, orders, and coordinating corrective actions, with penalties as a potential enforcement outcome if needed.