The following is a list of the principal by-laws in force in the City of Cowansville. Should you require additional information on any specific subject, do not hesitate to contact us.

Certain permits and certificates may be obtained at the Office of the City Clerk.

Summary of the main by-laws

Bicycles
A licence is required at a cost of $3.00 (available at City Hall).

Brush or refuse burning activies
Any open-air fire to burn brush or refuse requires a permit from the Fire Department.

Chimney Sweeping
Chimney sweeping is mandatory. The choice of a chimney sweep is left to the property owner. The City of Cowansville does not recommend any particular chimney-sweeping service. No chimney sweeper is accredited by the city. The sweeping of chimneys can be done by the property owner.

Demolition of a building
A certificate of authorization must be obtained at a cost of $10.00 for the demolition of a 90 m 2 building and $25 $ for a building of more than 90 m 2.

Ditches
The owner of any property on which there is a ditch adjoining a public road must obtain a permit from the Engineering and Public Works department before installing any culvert or other works in such a ditch.

Dogs
A permanent $20.00 licence is required (available at City Hall).

Fires
The setting of outdoor fires is forbidden unless the fire is contained in a fire place (with a spark dissipation device).

Fund Raising by non-profit organizations
Students or representatives of a school commission or representatives of a legally constituted non-profit organization must present a written request to the permit department setting out the type of activity they wish to conduct, the period of time during which it will be conducted and the objectives of the activity. A permit will be issued free-of-charge

Garbage
Manual container must not exceed 25 kg. for manual containers. Each household is limited to a maximum of five (5) except from October 1st to December 1st and March 15th to May 15th when the maximum allowable is increased to nine.

Garage Sales
Permits for garage sales may be obtained at a cost of $15.00. The permit covers a period of three consecutive days and only one permit will be issued per four-dwelling residence or for a commercial or institutional establishment.

Mobile signs
A certificate of authorization is required to erect a mobile sign in commercial, industrial or institutional zones. The permit is valid only for a continuous 30 days period once a year.

Noise
Noise that could disturb the quiet enjoyment of the citizens is forbidden between 11.00 p.m. and 7.00 a.m.

Parking
Parking is prohibited on streets, in back lanes, and also in public parking lots between 11.00 p.m. and 7.00 a.m from November 15th to March 31st. Parking is prohibited at all times on any street for a period exceeding 24 hours.

Peddlers
Any peddler or other door-to-door salesperson wishing to do business must obtain a permit before commencing operations within the municipality. This permit is valid for a period of 30 days and is issued only to individuals and cannot be transferred. Vendors licence: $25.00. Peddler’s licence $50.00. The activity can only be conducted from Monday to Saturday between 10.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. (licence available at City Hall).

Renovations
A certificate of authorization at a cost of $10.00 is required for any work of a value of $600.00 to $5000.00; for any works exceed of $5000.00 the cost of the certificate will be set at $10.00 plus $1.50 for each portion of a value of $1000.00 over and above the initial $5000.00. No certificate is required for work valued at less than $599.00.

Self-employment at home
You must check with the inspection bureau (450) 263-0277 to determine whether this activity is permitted in your zone. If so, you may request a certificate of authorization at a cost of $25.00. If you wish to erect a sign, there is an additional

Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors are required in all residences: a minimum of one detector per storey and one per rented unit is mandatory.

Swimming Pools
In-ground, above ground or inflatable pools or that are less than 1.2 metres high must be fenced by a 1.2 metre fence (four feet) with a maximum openwork area of 10cm’s. Access to the pool must be controlled by a gate that locks.

Above ground or inflatable pools which are higher than 1.2 metres (four feet) do not require a fence provided that they are equipped with a moveable ladder or any other mechanism that controls access

Before installing your pool you must obtain a certificate of authorization from the municipality. (see “permits” in the Municipal Services section)

Temporary car shelters
Temporary car shelters are allowed between October 15th and April 15th of the following year. No permit is required.

Work on a beach or river bank
Any work on a beach or riverbank including docks or floating platforms requires a permit at a cost of $10.00.

Zoning By-laws
Any amendment to the zoning, subdivision or construction by-laws may be obtained from the city at a cost of $1,750.00. This amount does not include any fees or costs that might arise should there be a need for a referendum.

The preceding texts are summaries or extracts from city by-laws. They do not constitute an interpretation nor do they stand in lieu and place of these by-laws nor may they be invoked in lieu thereof. The texts of all municipal by-laws are available at the City of Cowansville Office of the City Clerck.

Note : The above is a summary or extracts of the by-laws, This summary does not constitute an interpretation of these by-laws, and only the actual text of the by-law is authoritative. These texts cannot be used in lieu of the said by-laws which are available at the archives service of the City hall.



City Hall/Office of the City Clerk
220 place Municipale, Cowansville, Québec. J2K 1T4
Phone: (450) 263-0141
Fax: (450) 263-9357
Email: mtheriault@ville.cowansville.qc.ca

Office Hours
Monday to Friday
8.30 a.m. to noon & 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.