Property maintenance — Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

What are the rules on junk, derelict cars, and unsightly property?

In the Regional municipality of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, property maintenance rules are set by Minimum Standards By-law for Existing Residential Dwellings No. M-100 and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-09-27. Fines: $250-$10,000 or imprisonment up to one year (each day a separate offence). Enforcement: Building Inspector may order repairs (within 90 days); municipality may do work at owner's expense as first lien; Supreme Court remedies.

Minimum Standards By-law for Existing Residential Dwellings No. M-100 adopted bylaw
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 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.

Machine-readable: property-maintenance.json · Official website: http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/ · Last verified 2026-09-27 · Property maintenance across Nova Scotia · Property maintenance in other municipalities