How to make a bylaw complaint

Learn how to make a bylaw complaint and what happens after you report a problem.

Find digital versions of our bylaws in our bylaw directory.

On this page:

  1. Make a complaint
  2. What happens after you report a problem
  3. Common complaints
  4. Report a city service issue
  5. Contact us

Make a complaint

You can report a bylaw problem online, by phone, or in person.

Use the online bylaw service portal for most non-urgent complaints. Call 519-747-8785 if the issue involves a safety concern.

Before you start, have this information ready:

  • property address
  • a short description of the issue
  • photos (optional but helpful if submitting online)

You can report a problem through the bylaw service portal.

You’ll need to register, but you can track your request. Using the online portal sends your complaint directly to an officer for faster response.

Make an online complaint

Call 519-747-8785 or email municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca.

Visit the Municipal Enforcement counter on the first floor of City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What happens after you report a problem

An officer reviews the complaint and investigates. If a violation is confirmed, the property owner must fix the problem and may face a fine.

Popular bylaw topics

Learn about common bylaw issues and how to report them:

You can also report these issues online or by phone:

Make an online complaint

Report a city service issue

Use our online form to report non-urgent issues with city services or facilities.

For example, you can report issues with:

  • sidewalks, roads and trails – potholes or maintenance issues
  • city tree problems – damage or maintenance concerns
  • park issues – broken playground equipment or dumped garbage
  • website – broken links or accessibility issues

Report an service issue

Contact us

Contact the Municipal Enforcement team to ask a question or report a problem: