Vacant Building Registry

Approved by Council in January 2024, the Vacant Building and Land Registry By-law 15-2024 requires that owners of vacant buildings and land in Oshawa register their vacant property with City. Registering your property on an annual basis ensures proactive and continued compliance with property related standards set by Council, keeping our community clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

The City has developed a Vacant Building and Land Registry to track and regularly inspect vacant property for common property related health, safety and nuisance issues (i.e. property standards, long grass and weeds, snow and ice accumulation, etc.) and assist owners in the upkeep of their vacant property.

Vacant Building means an entire building that is or appears to be vacant, partially vacant, or unoccupied, or that, by reason of its unfinished or dilapidated condition appears to be in a state such that there is little or no control over unauthorized entry.

Vacant Land means lands, other than Greenspace or a legally authorized parking lot, with no buildings and not devoted to the practice of farming.

Vacant Property means Vacant Building or Vacant Land.

What are the requirements of the Registry?

• Property owners must register their vacant property with the City on an annual basis.
• Property owners must have and maintain third party liability insurance that includes the following:
• coverage for the vacant property that is the subject matter of the Permit, and any structures on the vacant land;
• a limit of liability of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) inclusive per occurrence for personal injury, bodily injury, death, and damage to property, including loss of use thereof;
• identifies the property as vacant; and
• names the City of Oshawa as additional insured.
• Property owners must secure their vacant property against unauthorized entry.
• Property owner must attend their vacant property at least once every fourteen (14) days, and keep a log of visits and work done at the property.
• Property owner must notify the City when:
  • hazardous conditions are present at the vacant property (within 24 hours);
  • information provided on the Vacant Building and Land Registry Application has changed; and
  • insurance coverage for the vacant property has changed.
• Property owner must post a contact notice (provided by the City) on the property to report hazardous conditions.

How do I register my vacant property?

• Complete a Vacant Building and Land Registry Application form by:
  • filling out the online form
• Provide required insurance documentation to the City.
• Payment of the $250 registration fee. This fee includes the permit and all inspections.