Bylaw guide

Bylaws help make sure Kitchener remains a place we’re all proud to call home. Our city rules allow us to maintain a high standard of safety and respect for our community, and each other.

Report a problem

• call us at 519-741-2345 to report a problem
• for noise and fireworks complaints, call the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777 (WRPS)

Illegal signs

Barbecues in parks

Please follow these rules if you want to use a barbecue in a city park:

• only use a charcoal-based barbecue like a Hibachi
• clean up after you're done, including any ashes that fall from the barbecue

You can use a barbecue in any city park, except for McLennan Park and Elmsdale Park.

Noise

Our noise bylaw is in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The bylaw limits excessive noise, including:

• yelling
• loud music, radio or TV
• other unusual noise

City council may grant events exemption from our noise bylaws. Noise exemptions last until 11 p.m. Check the list of approved noise exemptions.

Construction noise

Construction noise is allowed 7 days a week, including holidays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Noise complaints

To make a noise complaint, call the Waterloo Regional Police Services non-emergency line at 519-570-9777.

Noise exemptions

Apply for an exemption if you’re hosting a small private event like a barbecue, wedding or other party that might have excessive noise.

For large scale events, you must apply for a noise exemption through the director of enforcement.

Visit our noise complaints and exemptions page for more information.

Fireworks

You can set off fireworks during designated times on these days:

• Victoria Day (fireworks are only permitted on May 19, 2025) from 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
• Canada Day (fireworks are only permitted July1, 2025) from 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
• Diwali (fireworks are only permitted Monday, October 20) from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

If you want to set off fireworks on any other days, you need to apply for a permit.

You cannot set off fireworks on public property.

Fireworks safety tips

Do not set off fireworks

• on any street or highway
• in any woodlot, forest, public trail or ballpark
• in any city park without a permit
• within 10 metres of any building or structure
• in areas with dead undergrowth or trees
• firecrackers (including cherry bombs and torpedoes) cannot be sold or set off in Kitchener

When setting off fireworks

• only use fireworks outdoors
• choose a clear, open area
• check wind direction and speed
• always have an adult present
• have water handy
• use eye protection and wear non-flammable clothing
• read and follow directions
• keep spectators at least 20 metres from launch area
• wait 30 minutes after the end of the display and dispose of fireworks properly by soaking in water and then disposing in trash bin

Never

• buy fireworks from an unreliable source
• use homemade fireworks
• give fireworks to small children
• light more than one firework at a time, or relight “duds”
• throw or point fireworks at other people
• carry fireworks in your pocket
• shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers

Firework sales

Starting in 2026, firework sales will be banned in Kitchener. After that time, no vendors will be allowed to display or sell fireworks. Any vendors displaying or selling fireworks after that time will be fined.

To learn more about this update to the Fireworks and Firecracker Bylaw, visit our Engage page.

Zoning bylaw

We have two zoning bylaws:

• Zoning bylaw 85-1 (in force and effect)
• Zoning bylaw 2019-051 (council approved, under appeal)

Learn about our zoning bylaws or the Comprehensive Review of the Zoning Bylaw (CRoZBy).

Fence bylaw

If your fence does not meet the requirements of our fence bylaw, you can make an application for a variance request.

Learn more about the fence variance process.

Idling

Our anti-idling bylaw says that you must turn off your vehicle after three consecutive minutes of idling, unless in traffic.

If the temperature outside a vehicle is above 27°C or below 5°C, this bylaw does not apply.

Please avoid idling and shut off your vehicle:

• during pick-ups or drop-offs
• while warming up your vehicle
• when waiting for someone
• for personal comfort or when listening to the radio
• when parking illegally

For more information, read the full council report.

Property standards

We outline property standards to keep Kitchener safe and comfortable for all residents. These standards include:

• safe structures that are free of water leaks and damage
• properly maintained heating, plumbing and mechanical systems
• proper ceiling heights, ventilation and potable water

Learn more on our property standards page.

Lawn watering

The Region of Waterloo's water conservation bylaw is in place from May 31 to September 30 every year. Under the bylaw, you can water your lawn once a week. The day depends on your street address. Find your watering day on the region's website

Backyard fires

On private property, you can light a fire without a permit in a:

• fire pit
• outdoor fireplace
• backyard chiminea

You can burn a fire between 6 and 11 p.m., 7 days a week. Please watch where your smoke travels to avoid disturbing your neighbours.

Keep your fire safe

If you want to have a backyard fire, you must follow these rules:

• burn a maximum of 1 metre (3.2 feet) in any direction
• be fully contained and controlled
• have no flammable ground cover within 1 metre (3.2 feet) of the fire
• only burn bush material, including tree limbs, branches and bush trimmings or logs made for fireplaces

A fire must be at least 5 metres (16.4 feet) from any:

• property line or fence
• building or structure
• tree or hedge
• road
• overhead wire
• another flammable item

From the time of setting the fire until the fire is totally out:

• have a portable fire extinguisher or working garden hose available
• an adult owner or occupant must watch and control the fire

Chapter 711 of our Municipal Code includes all the regulations for recreational fires.

Fire pits

A fire pit must have a clear, raised, fireproof barrier that surrounds the fire pit to keep it isolated.

Backyard fire complaints

To make a complaint about:

• a fire that is currently burning, call the WRPS non-emergency line at 519-570-9777
• a fire pit or recent fire, call us at 519-741-2345 or send us an email