What are the rules on junk, derelict cars, and unsightly property?
In the Regional municipality of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, standards: Owner must keep building free of rubbish/garbage/debris and objects that are health, fire or accident hazards; maintain structural, roof, wall, plumbing, heating standards; enforcement: Building Inspector may order repairs (within 90 days); municipality may do work at owner's expense as first lien; Supreme Court remedies; fines: $250-$10,000 or imprisonment up to one year (each day a separate offence); standards: Vacant buildings must be secured, weather-tight, free of debris/fire hazards; derelict = ruinous, depreciates value, allurement to children, unsightly exterior, or fire hazard. Source: Minimum Standards By-law for Existing Residential Dwellings No. M-100; Vacant and Derelict Buildings By-law No. V-300, verified 2026-06-05.
Owner must keep building free of rubbish/garbage/debris and objects that are health, fire or accident hazards; maintain structural, roof, wall, plumbing, heating standards
s. 4.1; s. 2.2
enforcement
Building Inspector may order repairs (within 90 days); municipality may do work at owner's expense as first lien; Supreme Court remedies
s. 3.2; s. 35.1; s. 40.1
fine range
$250-$10,000 or imprisonment up to one year (each day a separate offence)
s. 36.1
scout note
Sets minimum maintenance and habitability standards for existing residential dwellings in CBRM (MGA s.181).
Vacant and Derelict Buildings By-law No. V-300
adopted bylaw
standards
Vacant buildings must be secured, weather-tight, free of debris/fire hazards; derelict = ruinous, depreciates value, allurement to children, unsightly exterior, or fire hazard
s. 1 "derelict building"; Section 6
enforcement
Municipality may order owner to demolish or obtain conditional building permit; may enter and do work, cost recouped as lien; title forfeiture possible
Section 5.2; Section 9.2-9.3; s. 11.4
fine range
First offence min $1,000; second/subsequent min $2,000 (per day separate offence)
s. 11.1
scout note
Regulates vacant and derelict buildings within CBRM, with maintenance standards and CBRM authority over dangerous structures.